Massey University

What you'll study

This degree blends general management and business papers with aviation-focused subjects. Early study builds a foundation in accounting, economics, business law, marketing and organisational behaviour alongside introductions to the aviation system. Core aviation topics cover airline and airport operations, aviation law and regulation, air transport economics, safety and emergency management, human factors, and aviation security.

Later stages emphasise applied and strategic skills: revenue management, network planning, aviation finance, airport planning and ground operations, and supply‑chain/logistics for air cargo. The programme typically includes research or capstone project work where students investigate a practical aviation issue, and many students complete work‑integrated learning or industry placements that expose them to real operational environments.

Typical modules you can expect include:

• Aviation industry overview and air transport economics
• Aviation law, regulation and compliance
• Airline operations and network planning
• Airport management and infrastructure planning
• Safety management systems (SMS) and human factors
• Air cargo and logistics
• Business and management fundamentals (finance, marketing, strategy)
• Research methods and a capstone or practicum project

Entry requirements

Admission requires successful completion of a recognised secondary qualification that meets New Zealand University Entrance standards or an equivalent international qualification. Applicants are expected to demonstrate literacy and numeracy competence; prior study in mathematics or statistics is advantageous. International students must meet Massey University’s English language proficiency requirements.

Mature applicants with relevant work experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Meeting minimum entry criteria does not guarantee selection where demand exceeds capacity; selection may also take account of grades and the overall applicant profile.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of roles across airlines, airports, air cargo and logistics companies, civil aviation authorities, aviation consultancies and ground‑handling organisations. Common entry and mid‑career roles include:

• Airline operations coordinator or network planner
• Airport operations or commercial manager
• Safety or compliance officer within airlines and regulators
• Air cargo and logistics planner or commercial analyst
• Ground handling and customer service management
• Workforce planning, revenue management and business development roles
• Consultant or analyst in aviation policy, planning and infrastructure

With experience and additional professional development, graduates can progress to senior operational, regulatory or managerial positions or move into specialist streams such as safety management, regulatory oversight or airport planning.

Why study at Massey University

Massey has a long-established reputation for applied aviation education and research in New Zealand. The university’s aviation expertise is industry‑oriented, with staff who have operational and regulatory experience. Students benefit from connections with local and international industry partners, which support guest lectures, project work and placement opportunities.

The programme emphasises practical, career‑focused learning—combining business fundamentals with aviation practice—and offers pathways into operational, commercial and regulatory roles across the sector. For students seeking a management‑oriented aviation degree that prepares them for the commercial and safety challenges of a dynamic industry, Massey’s programme provides relevant curriculum and links to practitioners and employers in aviation.